Are the holidays over yet? Can I come out of hiding now? Jeez...the past week, two weeks, has been madness, from holiday shopping and incredibly rude shoppers, to family insanity. Add in some drama with my falconry and some personal issues, and you have someone desperately needing a vacation, a time out, or a room at the insane asylum, complete with straight jacket.
Just sitting down to enjoy a cup of doodh patti chai, or spiced milk tea. (Not Chai Tea...which is redundant because chai = tea, I learned.)
Measurements? Who measures ingredients? Mostly, I play it by smell and look, but, ehhh...here I try.
Two cups milk in a sauce pan.
Teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, ground cardamom (although this can be adjusted to taste)
6 to 8 sugar cubes (adjust to taste)
Bring to simmer.
Add in a cup of water and some black tea leaves. (Four tea bags - open the bags and dump the leaves in the liquid...or equivalent of four tea bags. Stronger if you want, again adjust to taste.)
Bring to boil. If it starts to foam up, remove from heat and let it go back down. Put back on heat. Repeat this three times.
Strain into mug. If it's too hot, or too strong, Stir a little milk to the mug.
Add a scone or little biscuit to go with, curl up with a book or e-reader, and enjoy!
Hope everyone's holidays went well. Back to writing as my Muse seems to be gaining her confidence back. It's slow, but it's better than nothing. =)
Love you all.
December 27, 2010
December 24, 2010
To you and yours...
Wishing all of my friends and family a very happy holidays. Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Blessed Saturnalia, and/or whatever you choose to celebrate this month.
Good health, much love, and many happy blessings to you and yours.
~Isobael
Good health, much love, and many happy blessings to you and yours.
~Isobael
December 16, 2010
Victorian Etiquette
Anyone who knows me knows that I am in LOVE with old etiquette manuals that teach proper manners in private and social settings. Everything from how to hold your fork to how to be meet and greet someone.
I picked up a 70th some edition of Emily Posts's book on Etiquette, but I just checked out a book from the library that I am in love with. It's a reprint of a book originally published in 1885.
"Hill's Manual of Social and Business Form" by Thomas E. Hill
It's amusing, thought provoking, and a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in etiquette, American Victorian society, and/or writing with historical accuracy.
I'm going to order my own copy as soon as I get some funds.
Here's a little:
Etiquette of Introductions:
Ladies being introduced should never bow hastily, but with slow and measured dignity. (Old etiquette books always spoke of bows, making your bows, etc...but in the movies women curtsied. I'm going with "bow" was a catch all phrase for curtsy or bow, depending on the gender.)
The inferior is to be introduced to the superior; the younger to the elder; the gentleman to the lady.
It is the lady's privilege to recognize the gentleman after an introduction, and his duty to return the bow.
Introductions on the streets or in public places should be made quietly as not to attract public attention.
Perfect ease and self-possession are the essentials to the making and receiving of graceful and happy introductions.
Etiquette requires that a gentleman always raises his hat when introduced to either a lady or a gentleman on the street. (If passing on the street, the hat should be raised and salute given with the hand farthest from the person addressed. when on horseback, the gentleman should grip the reins and whip in his left hand and raise his hat with the right.)
Introduce to each other only those who may find acquaintance agreeable. If any doubts exists on the subject, inquire beforehand.
If upon any occasion you are introduced at a friend's house to even your bitterest enemy, courtesy requires that you salute him, or her, and give no sign of ill-feeling while you are the guest of your friend.
To shake hands when introduced, is optional; between gentleman, it is common, and oftentimes between an elderly and a young person. it is not common between an unmarried lady and a gentleman, a slight bow between them when introduced being all that etiquette requires. The married lady will use her discretion when introduced to a gentleman.
If you are a gentleman, do not let the lack of an introduction prevent you from rendering services to any unattended lady who may need them. Politely offer your protection, escort or assistance, and, when the service has been accomplished, politely bow and retire.
There's so much more in this book. It's awesome.
Edited to Add: Found it online. Click here and on the left is a menu to choose from.
I picked up a 70th some edition of Emily Posts's book on Etiquette, but I just checked out a book from the library that I am in love with. It's a reprint of a book originally published in 1885.
"Hill's Manual of Social and Business Form" by Thomas E. Hill
It's amusing, thought provoking, and a MUST HAVE for anyone interested in etiquette, American Victorian society, and/or writing with historical accuracy.
I'm going to order my own copy as soon as I get some funds.
Here's a little:
Etiquette of Introductions:
Ladies being introduced should never bow hastily, but with slow and measured dignity. (Old etiquette books always spoke of bows, making your bows, etc...but in the movies women curtsied. I'm going with "bow" was a catch all phrase for curtsy or bow, depending on the gender.)
The inferior is to be introduced to the superior; the younger to the elder; the gentleman to the lady.
It is the lady's privilege to recognize the gentleman after an introduction, and his duty to return the bow.
Introductions on the streets or in public places should be made quietly as not to attract public attention.
Perfect ease and self-possession are the essentials to the making and receiving of graceful and happy introductions.
Etiquette requires that a gentleman always raises his hat when introduced to either a lady or a gentleman on the street. (If passing on the street, the hat should be raised and salute given with the hand farthest from the person addressed. when on horseback, the gentleman should grip the reins and whip in his left hand and raise his hat with the right.)
Introduce to each other only those who may find acquaintance agreeable. If any doubts exists on the subject, inquire beforehand.
If upon any occasion you are introduced at a friend's house to even your bitterest enemy, courtesy requires that you salute him, or her, and give no sign of ill-feeling while you are the guest of your friend.
To shake hands when introduced, is optional; between gentleman, it is common, and oftentimes between an elderly and a young person. it is not common between an unmarried lady and a gentleman, a slight bow between them when introduced being all that etiquette requires. The married lady will use her discretion when introduced to a gentleman.
If you are a gentleman, do not let the lack of an introduction prevent you from rendering services to any unattended lady who may need them. Politely offer your protection, escort or assistance, and, when the service has been accomplished, politely bow and retire.
There's so much more in this book. It's awesome.
Edited to Add: Found it online. Click here and on the left is a menu to choose from.
December 8, 2010
Do something good for Christmas this year.
I gave myself a Christmas present this year.
It took me a while to pick it out though. I hemmed and hawed, debated, tried to figure out if I could afford it, but then I sat down and decided to just do it.
Faced with poverty, starvation, high mortality rates, homelessness, and conditions worse than most third world countries, IN OUR OWN COUNTRY...can you help? My mother and I did.
That is the plight of Lakota People living on reservations in South Dakota.
Despite hardship and adversity, the Lakota maintain their cultural knowledge and traditions and preserve for their children and for the world, ancient wisdom that contributes to quality of life.
Please do what you can to help. You can donate one time or as many times as you want, or you can sponsor a child, a family, or an Elder.
You can read more at their website: http://www.nativeprogress.org/
It took me a while to pick it out though. I hemmed and hawed, debated, tried to figure out if I could afford it, but then I sat down and decided to just do it.
Faced with poverty, starvation, high mortality rates, homelessness, and conditions worse than most third world countries, IN OUR OWN COUNTRY...can you help? My mother and I did.
- There is a group of people who have the shortest life expectancy of any group in the Western Hemisphere, outside of Haiti?
- Families, children and elders go without food on a regular basis?
- Families are often without heat during sub-zero temperatures?
- People are without employment opportunities or adequate medical facilities?
That is the plight of Lakota People living on reservations in South Dakota.
- Life Expectancy is 48 years for men and 52 years for women.
- Unemployment is estimated to be 87%
- 90% live below the Federal poverty level.
- The teenage suicide rate is 3 1/2 times higher than the national average.
- Infant mortality is five times higher than the national average
- Diabetes, heart disease, cancer and malnutrition are epidemic.
Despite hardship and adversity, the Lakota maintain their cultural knowledge and traditions and preserve for their children and for the world, ancient wisdom that contributes to quality of life.
- About 1/3 of the population still speak the Lakota language.
- Almost all maintain their traditional spiritual and cultural beliefs.
- They are leaders in knowledge of environmental preservation.
- They are a sharing society - when one eats, they all eat - or they all do without.
- Their exquisite beadwork, quillwork, quilting, sewing, painting is art at its best.
- They wish to preserve their culture and find ways to be self-sufficient.
Please do what you can to help. You can donate one time or as many times as you want, or you can sponsor a child, a family, or an Elder.
You can read more at their website: http://www.nativeprogress.org/
November 19, 2010
Putting on my ranty hat...
I would like to know why I am recieving e-mails from this group. I did
not register or sign up to be a part of this group. If I am registered
with this group, I demand that I be removed from this group
immediately or i will take further action, including legal action if
it is necessary. Have a nice day.
Dear Name Removed For Privacy,
Unless your name is Name, Name, Name, or Isobael, you are not a member of this group. Your address <name.removed.for.privacy@yahoo.com> is not listed anywhere on the member's list.
Since you have to be added by me, I have no idea how you're receiving messages.
Secondly, demanding anything is rude. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I do not respond to demands or threats. If you have a problem, maybe you should politely inquire about it rather than throwing a tantrum. I've seen two year olds behave better.
Take it up with Google since you're not on my members list.
Have a nice day.
What is with people these days? Just because it's email, or a digital forum, does not give people the right to be rude, demanding, threatening, or bullying. It seems like I come across this more and more.
I probably should have some coffee before someone sets me off and I end up writing them into my manuscript as a victim of a horrifyingly bloody murder.
/end ranting
October 30, 2010
Recipes...
Pomegranate Champagne Cocktail
1 pomegranate
1/4 cup lavender sugar
1 bottle champagne or sparkling water
Remove seeds from pomegranate.
Put in blender and blend for one minute. Strain the juice into a saucepan and discard seed pulp. (Alternatively, use 1 cup of pure pomegranate juice)
Add 1/4 cup lavender sugar. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool. (Syrup may be stored in covered container for up to two weeks.) (By the way - pomegranate syrup is also known as grenadine syrup but be careful as most grenadine syrups today don't even have pomegranate juice in it anymore!)
To make the cocktail - place 2 TB of syrup in each champagne glass, then fill the glass with chilled champagne or sparkling water.
Lavender sugar - add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 TB dried culinary lavender buds into a covered container about 3 days before you plan to use the sugar.
How about a hot drink?
Mulled Cranberry Nectar
4 cups Cranberry Nectar
5 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 orange, peeled and sliced
6 slices fresh peeled ginger, about 1/4 in thick
Large saucepan, combine everything and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Strain.
Pour into heat resistant container and serve warm.
1 pomegranate
1/4 cup lavender sugar
1 bottle champagne or sparkling water
Remove seeds from pomegranate.
Put in blender and blend for one minute. Strain the juice into a saucepan and discard seed pulp. (Alternatively, use 1 cup of pure pomegranate juice)
Add 1/4 cup lavender sugar. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool. (Syrup may be stored in covered container for up to two weeks.) (By the way - pomegranate syrup is also known as grenadine syrup but be careful as most grenadine syrups today don't even have pomegranate juice in it anymore!)
To make the cocktail - place 2 TB of syrup in each champagne glass, then fill the glass with chilled champagne or sparkling water.
Lavender sugar - add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 TB dried culinary lavender buds into a covered container about 3 days before you plan to use the sugar.
How about a hot drink?
Mulled Cranberry Nectar
4 cups Cranberry Nectar
5 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
1 orange, peeled and sliced
6 slices fresh peeled ginger, about 1/4 in thick
Large saucepan, combine everything and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Strain.
Pour into heat resistant container and serve warm.
October 17, 2010
Updating...
Thanks, Tanja, for your feedback. I've been slowly adding more and more to the website. =)
Let's update things here, shall we?
Falconry - going well. SgianDubh is doing very well. I hope to get her out hunting in the next week or two. She's flying a good 150 to 200 feet from glove to glove on the whistle, she just isn't getting the lure down as much as I'd like. Still, she is getting it. There was some drama in regards to my license, from the state, but it's been taken care of on my end. I'm good to go, although my sponsor is still fighting with them.
Writing - we're still plodding along. I've written myself into a corner and had to delete a bunch of stuff to redo it. Corners are not very good. LOL.
We're settled in Mom and Dad's place. The sharing of chores and living space is going well. We can't wait to get our own place again, having had our own place for so long, and we miss having our own place, but we're doing well.
Let's update things here, shall we?
Falconry - going well. SgianDubh is doing very well. I hope to get her out hunting in the next week or two. She's flying a good 150 to 200 feet from glove to glove on the whistle, she just isn't getting the lure down as much as I'd like. Still, she is getting it. There was some drama in regards to my license, from the state, but it's been taken care of on my end. I'm good to go, although my sponsor is still fighting with them.
Writing - we're still plodding along. I've written myself into a corner and had to delete a bunch of stuff to redo it. Corners are not very good. LOL.
We're settled in Mom and Dad's place. The sharing of chores and living space is going well. We can't wait to get our own place again, having had our own place for so long, and we miss having our own place, but we're doing well.
October 7, 2010
New website...
Still tweaking it, so don't mind the mess. I'm still not all that satisfied with it, but at least I have a home on the web! Check it out! http://www.isobael.com/index.htm
=)
October 6, 2010
October Newsletter...
I have an October newsletter available. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list, you can email me at isobael@gmail.com and I'll add you to the subscribe list...
Other than that, I'll PROBABLY be doing Nano this year. Not sure how well I'll succeed at it, but I'm going to give it a try. Last year I made it, but not sure this year.
Still writing...=)
Other than that, I'll PROBABLY be doing Nano this year. Not sure how well I'll succeed at it, but I'm going to give it a try. Last year I made it, but not sure this year.
Still writing...=)
September 21, 2010
Anyway...
Let's see...
Falconry = going. SgianDubh is doing well. She's not so keen on the lure but then I'm not going to lure fly her either. It's for retrieval purposes only this year.
News on the living situation...
Mom lost her job from Lowe's. Bogus BS and lawsuit material, so they're looking for a lawyer. The other house, which was suppose to be emptied by today isn't even close. As it is, we're going to talk to them about it. We're not going to move in there. Mom and Dad are emptying the office (which was the second master bedroom - converted from the garage) for Spike and I. Brat will be staying in my old room. We'll pay them $500 a month for rent and split the cost of the utilities. This will get us caught up on the previous bills and give us something to put into savings so we can get another place later. Maybe even buy a house with some money for a down payment.
Mom is rather ecstatic about us moving in. It helps her out as she's not so worried about not being able to pay the bills.
Writing-wise...yeah. Slow going, but it's there. Once we get us situated in the other room, I can buckle down and start writing again. It'll be nice to have my writing desk back and a room to write in.
Falconry = going. SgianDubh is doing well. She's not so keen on the lure but then I'm not going to lure fly her either. It's for retrieval purposes only this year.
News on the living situation...
Mom lost her job from Lowe's. Bogus BS and lawsuit material, so they're looking for a lawyer. The other house, which was suppose to be emptied by today isn't even close. As it is, we're going to talk to them about it. We're not going to move in there. Mom and Dad are emptying the office (which was the second master bedroom - converted from the garage) for Spike and I. Brat will be staying in my old room. We'll pay them $500 a month for rent and split the cost of the utilities. This will get us caught up on the previous bills and give us something to put into savings so we can get another place later. Maybe even buy a house with some money for a down payment.
Mom is rather ecstatic about us moving in. It helps her out as she's not so worried about not being able to pay the bills.
Writing-wise...yeah. Slow going, but it's there. Once we get us situated in the other room, I can buckle down and start writing again. It'll be nice to have my writing desk back and a room to write in.
September 14, 2010
Catching up...
Ahhh. Still living with Mom and Dad, though it's working out rather well. When the rental house is ready, we'll be moving in there. Working with a new bird who's been both a sheer delight, the total opposite of my last bird, and keeping me on my toes. I have missed this! Writing? Hehehe. Don't ask.
I do a little here and there, but with the worries of the living situation, I don't get much done.
I've moved into my parents' house and am sharing a room with my daughter because the bed in the trailer is too uncomfortable and I can't sleep well. I wake up with my back all tweaked and I hurt for days after. The bed leaves bruises just from sleeping on it!! So Spike sleeps out there. I am SO using the trailer in one of my next novels. LOL.
I've resurrected my falconry blog for the new bird. You can find it here: http://falconry-isobael.blogspot.com/
Her name is SgianDubh. She's a passage (juvenile) American Kestrel.
I do a little here and there, but with the worries of the living situation, I don't get much done.
I've moved into my parents' house and am sharing a room with my daughter because the bed in the trailer is too uncomfortable and I can't sleep well. I wake up with my back all tweaked and I hurt for days after. The bed leaves bruises just from sleeping on it!! So Spike sleeps out there. I am SO using the trailer in one of my next novels. LOL.
I've resurrected my falconry blog for the new bird. You can find it here: http://falconry-isobael.blogspot.com/
Her name is SgianDubh. She's a passage (juvenile) American Kestrel.
September 11, 2010
Interview...
A journalist friend in Canada interviewed me. He has it posted on his website - http://www.damienwood.net/?p=345
=)
=)
September 1, 2010
Update...
So, here it is...
Our landlords had told us they were putting the house we were living in up for sale. The problem is, Spike is in school...not working thanks to the recession, and I'm a stay at home mom.
Anyway, they so "kindly" let us know we could stay as long as the house was on the market.
My parents' neighbor recently passed away and her daughter owns the house. They live a far distance away and we put a bug in some people's ears about us possibly renting it so the house didn't sit empty. The house needs work (Aunt May needed the doors widened for the wheelchair and the bathtub removed so she could wheel the chair into the shower), and the personal items and boxes of stuff need to be removed. We were given a tentative date of Sept 7th.
So, we got ourselves a couple of storage units and moved stuff over, downsizing, while we looked for a small trailer to park in my parents' driveway until the house was ready.
We found an 18 foot 1972 Prowler, in reasonable condition. We picked it up and brought it to my parents', set it up in the driveway and proceeded to finish the packing and moving. Our daughter is set up in my parents' spare room (which is my old bedroom).
So, Spike will do some work on it in exchange for rent.
Keeping our fingers crossed so we can get in there soon. Brat starts school on the 7th, Spike starts in the 9th.
Our landlords had told us they were putting the house we were living in up for sale. The problem is, Spike is in school...not working thanks to the recession, and I'm a stay at home mom.
Anyway, they so "kindly" let us know we could stay as long as the house was on the market.
My parents' neighbor recently passed away and her daughter owns the house. They live a far distance away and we put a bug in some people's ears about us possibly renting it so the house didn't sit empty. The house needs work (Aunt May needed the doors widened for the wheelchair and the bathtub removed so she could wheel the chair into the shower), and the personal items and boxes of stuff need to be removed. We were given a tentative date of Sept 7th.
So, we got ourselves a couple of storage units and moved stuff over, downsizing, while we looked for a small trailer to park in my parents' driveway until the house was ready.
We found an 18 foot 1972 Prowler, in reasonable condition. We picked it up and brought it to my parents', set it up in the driveway and proceeded to finish the packing and moving. Our daughter is set up in my parents' spare room (which is my old bedroom).
So, Spike will do some work on it in exchange for rent.
Keeping our fingers crossed so we can get in there soon. Brat starts school on the 7th, Spike starts in the 9th.
August 21, 2010
Catching up with Isobael...
I know, I know. It's been a while since I last posted, but we've run into some recent...issues...personal wise.
Our landlords are putting the house up for sale so we're in a scramble to find a place to live.
So you can see where I have a good excuse for not posting. Heck, for not even writing. My writing has been almost non existent as of late. Frustrating and depressing, but my brain has not been in the writing mode.
I have the first four chapters outlined and I actually like what I see...but...
Yeah, you get it.
So, there you go. Forgive me? =)
Our landlords are putting the house up for sale so we're in a scramble to find a place to live.
So you can see where I have a good excuse for not posting. Heck, for not even writing. My writing has been almost non existent as of late. Frustrating and depressing, but my brain has not been in the writing mode.
I have the first four chapters outlined and I actually like what I see...but...
Yeah, you get it.
So, there you go. Forgive me? =)
August 8, 2010
Vacation...
This past week, my family hosted my BFF for vacation. It was a little hairy even before she left home, but it was a blast and I was very sorry to see her leave last night.
Let's see...
Her flight was cancelled due to weather. Of course, United didn't tell anyone WHY the flight was cancelled, only that it was. So she called me to let me know. The only other flight out of Roanoke wasn't until later in the evening, but it was booked full. They were going to put her on another flight which would leave on Friday morning. Hell, no. We got her listed on standby for the second flight while Spike was on the phone with United and Expedia (both of which did nothing) while I was hitting travel sites online to see what else there was. I found a flight leaving Roanoke to Atlanta, and from Atlanta to Seattle, which had three seats left open. I told her to go to the United desk and see if they can get you on that flight. United didn't even know about that flight! Needless to say, they booked her on the Roanoke to Atlanta to Seattle flight and she was only three hours later than her original arrival time. At 11:40 pm, I got to see my BFF after three years.
Friday morning, we relaxed some. Later that evening, we went to the Highland Games Opening Ceremony, in which we did a little sight seeing, meeting a few people, and sang Scottish songs before the Saltire.
Saturday, we went back to the Games for the day. It was a day of yummy men in kilts and sightseeing the shops. BFF tried haggis. She didn't like it much. LOL. Spike was able to wear my Dad's spare kilt (in our Ancient colors), and he bought me an outfit. We plan to purchase him a kilt and an arisaidh for me in the Ancient colors.
Sunday wasn't much. Relaxed a bit.
Monday, we went to Shipwreck Beads (OOoo! shiny!), shooting, and then Ocean Shores. BFF really wanted to see a sunset over the water, but it was overcast so no sunset. We had a nice stroll on the beach and collected pretty little rocks.
Tuesday, we did some relaxing. Had some errands, and then headed to my parents ti visit.
Wednesday, Seattle. Picked up my Mom and we hit The Great Wall Mall in Kent first, to get some snacks. BFF can't get her favorite little treat in Roanoke, so she had to fly all the way out here to get it. LOL. She also got to try Boba Tea! Then, $17 in parking later, we spent FOUR hours in Pike Place. I don't think I've ever spent that long in Pike Place before (usually because I'm with someone who has no time or patience to spend that long to look at the shops...).
Thursday, we hit Mt. Rainier National Park. It was HOT...but oh so beautiful. I hadn't been there since I was a kid. BFF tried to get me to walk up the mountain, LOL...but I'm too out of shape, so we didn't get very far up. We did take a path to Myrtle Falls though, at 5600 feet (I think...either 5600 or 5700 feet).
Friday, it was just BFF and I. We ditched Spike and Brat. We had intended to go to Shipwreck Beads but traffic was the crap so we headed to Half Price Books by the Tacoma Mall. We then hit Cost Plus World Market (one of my FAVE stores!) and then headed back to Puyallup, and hit Michael's. Afterwards, we sat at Starbucks and chatted while enjoying our much deserved coffees.
Saturday, BFF and I tried Shipwreck Beads once more. This time, we made it down there. Three hours later, we walked out with our shopping gains and came home. she made Pixie-Brat an opal chip necklace and made me a jade and lapis necklace. I made her a wire tree.
All good things must come to an end, though. We took her to the airport to catch her flight home. I cried, of course...I didn't want to see my BFF leave!
Anyway...here is a slide show of the pics from her vacation here.
Now, it's back to work. I have a novel to write and one in the works.
Let's see...
Her flight was cancelled due to weather. Of course, United didn't tell anyone WHY the flight was cancelled, only that it was. So she called me to let me know. The only other flight out of Roanoke wasn't until later in the evening, but it was booked full. They were going to put her on another flight which would leave on Friday morning. Hell, no. We got her listed on standby for the second flight while Spike was on the phone with United and Expedia (both of which did nothing) while I was hitting travel sites online to see what else there was. I found a flight leaving Roanoke to Atlanta, and from Atlanta to Seattle, which had three seats left open. I told her to go to the United desk and see if they can get you on that flight. United didn't even know about that flight! Needless to say, they booked her on the Roanoke to Atlanta to Seattle flight and she was only three hours later than her original arrival time. At 11:40 pm, I got to see my BFF after three years.
Friday morning, we relaxed some. Later that evening, we went to the Highland Games Opening Ceremony, in which we did a little sight seeing, meeting a few people, and sang Scottish songs before the Saltire.
Saturday, we went back to the Games for the day. It was a day of yummy men in kilts and sightseeing the shops. BFF tried haggis. She didn't like it much. LOL. Spike was able to wear my Dad's spare kilt (in our Ancient colors), and he bought me an outfit. We plan to purchase him a kilt and an arisaidh for me in the Ancient colors.
Sunday wasn't much. Relaxed a bit.
Monday, we went to Shipwreck Beads (OOoo! shiny!), shooting, and then Ocean Shores. BFF really wanted to see a sunset over the water, but it was overcast so no sunset. We had a nice stroll on the beach and collected pretty little rocks.
Tuesday, we did some relaxing. Had some errands, and then headed to my parents ti visit.
Wednesday, Seattle. Picked up my Mom and we hit The Great Wall Mall in Kent first, to get some snacks. BFF can't get her favorite little treat in Roanoke, so she had to fly all the way out here to get it. LOL. She also got to try Boba Tea! Then, $17 in parking later, we spent FOUR hours in Pike Place. I don't think I've ever spent that long in Pike Place before (usually because I'm with someone who has no time or patience to spend that long to look at the shops...).
Thursday, we hit Mt. Rainier National Park. It was HOT...but oh so beautiful. I hadn't been there since I was a kid. BFF tried to get me to walk up the mountain, LOL...but I'm too out of shape, so we didn't get very far up. We did take a path to Myrtle Falls though, at 5600 feet (I think...either 5600 or 5700 feet).
Friday, it was just BFF and I. We ditched Spike and Brat. We had intended to go to Shipwreck Beads but traffic was the crap so we headed to Half Price Books by the Tacoma Mall. We then hit Cost Plus World Market (one of my FAVE stores!) and then headed back to Puyallup, and hit Michael's. Afterwards, we sat at Starbucks and chatted while enjoying our much deserved coffees.
Saturday, BFF and I tried Shipwreck Beads once more. This time, we made it down there. Three hours later, we walked out with our shopping gains and came home. she made Pixie-Brat an opal chip necklace and made me a jade and lapis necklace. I made her a wire tree.
All good things must come to an end, though. We took her to the airport to catch her flight home. I cried, of course...I didn't want to see my BFF leave!
Anyway...here is a slide show of the pics from her vacation here.
Now, it's back to work. I have a novel to write and one in the works.
July 27, 2010
July 28th...
I'm a guest blogger at Paranormal Romantics!
http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/?zx=cb7e25f401d2eca1
http://paranormalromantics.blogspot.com/?zx=cb7e25f401d2eca1
State of Isobael...
Two days before my BFF arrives! I'm so stoked. It's been three years, maybe four, since I last saw her.
We have plans! Mt. Rainier, Ocean Shores, Seattle... =)
Of course, it means writing will be nil, but I think I can accept that when it comes to a cherished friend.
We won't even discuss the lack of writing and frustration I've been having on this end.
Actually, we will.
Lately, it just seems that writing is more of a struggle than anything. I don't know if it's because of the worries I have going on outside of my writing life, or what, but nothing looks good. I'm trying to write Moonlight and Melodies, but it's gotten to the point where I hate the characters, I hate the setup, and the plot doesn't work.
In the mean time, I picked up a kit called "A Book in a Month" by Victoria Lynn Schmidt, Ph.D. I've skimmed it a couple of times but after plinking out 700 some words all day (granted, I also did do four loads of laundry, two loads of dishes, and made potato salad as well), and in a state of sobbing from frustration, I decided to apply myself to the steps in the book.
While I might not get a book written in a month, there are some good tips in it, some plotting strategies, although some of it I don't "get". My brain is wired a bit differently, I think. Some of the plotting ideas she has makes no sense to me.
Anyway, so there you have it.
We have plans! Mt. Rainier, Ocean Shores, Seattle... =)
Of course, it means writing will be nil, but I think I can accept that when it comes to a cherished friend.
We won't even discuss the lack of writing and frustration I've been having on this end.
Actually, we will.
Lately, it just seems that writing is more of a struggle than anything. I don't know if it's because of the worries I have going on outside of my writing life, or what, but nothing looks good. I'm trying to write Moonlight and Melodies, but it's gotten to the point where I hate the characters, I hate the setup, and the plot doesn't work.
In the mean time, I picked up a kit called "A Book in a Month" by Victoria Lynn Schmidt, Ph.D. I've skimmed it a couple of times but after plinking out 700 some words all day (granted, I also did do four loads of laundry, two loads of dishes, and made potato salad as well), and in a state of sobbing from frustration, I decided to apply myself to the steps in the book.
While I might not get a book written in a month, there are some good tips in it, some plotting strategies, although some of it I don't "get". My brain is wired a bit differently, I think. Some of the plotting ideas she has makes no sense to me.
Anyway, so there you have it.
July 14, 2010
Pronouncing the names in "Moonlight and Magick"...
I think my biggest fan has got to be my mother.
It's funny how much she tells people about my book. She carries her e-reader around to show people my book, a copy of my cover art, and she's gotten people to buy my book, while at work, even.
This morning, she had to call me to tell me her favorite waitress at the restaurant where they eat breakfast finally read my book. The waitress gushed about how much she loved the novel, how she could not stop reading until the very end. Even was still at the computer when her husband got home and his first words in the door were, "STILL reading?"
She wanted to let me know that the only thing she had trouble with in the story was pronouncing the names of some of the characters.
I hemmed and hawed about using the names I did. I knew that using unfamiliar or too exotic sounding names might jar some readers from the story. However, there was no way I could name a Sidhe "Fred" or "John".
I did have some reservations in using the names I did, but in the end, I went with the integrity of the story. They're Sidhe, I had to use names that were "ethnically correct" for the people involved.
The biggest culprits were:
Ulwe - Ul-way
Amras - Am-ross
Calawe - Cal-uh-way
Talis - Tal-iss
If there are any others you had a question on, let me know! I'd be more than happy to break it down for you.
It's funny how much she tells people about my book. She carries her e-reader around to show people my book, a copy of my cover art, and she's gotten people to buy my book, while at work, even.
This morning, she had to call me to tell me her favorite waitress at the restaurant where they eat breakfast finally read my book. The waitress gushed about how much she loved the novel, how she could not stop reading until the very end. Even was still at the computer when her husband got home and his first words in the door were, "STILL reading?"
She wanted to let me know that the only thing she had trouble with in the story was pronouncing the names of some of the characters.
I hemmed and hawed about using the names I did. I knew that using unfamiliar or too exotic sounding names might jar some readers from the story. However, there was no way I could name a Sidhe "Fred" or "John".
I did have some reservations in using the names I did, but in the end, I went with the integrity of the story. They're Sidhe, I had to use names that were "ethnically correct" for the people involved.
The biggest culprits were:
Ulwe - Ul-way
Amras - Am-ross
Calawe - Cal-uh-way
Talis - Tal-iss
If there are any others you had a question on, let me know! I'd be more than happy to break it down for you.
July 9, 2010
State of Isobael...
We're hot.
And I definitely do not mean the oh so sexy way of hot. I mean the "we're melting, send a glacier" sort of way.
When Mother Nature says it's gonna be winter for a few more weeks, she really meant it, and when she says, "Skip Spring, we're hitting the summer button now", DAMN, does she mean it!
We jumped from temps in the 60's, and rain, to the 90's. Yesterday, we hit 97 here in South Hill, Puyallup. We broke a record set back in 1985 for the hottest temp for the day, by at least 10 degrees!
Of course, I like the warmer weather. My house has to be at LEAST 75 in Winter and that's on the cool end for me. 79 to 82 degrees is my range of comfort level.
Writing-wise, I'm working on book #2. We're continuing with Maressë and Tiberius. I'm about 13,000 words into it now. I have a feeling I'm going to need a glossary for this one, and maybe include a map. LOL.
I have it set up so that there'll be one more book to this "series". Then, it's off to do something in another genre. It'll either be a Victorian historical paranormal romance or a sci-fi/fantasy romance, set on another world.
Ok, must get a cup of tea and get back to writing. =)
Stay cool!
And I definitely do not mean the oh so sexy way of hot. I mean the "we're melting, send a glacier" sort of way.
When Mother Nature says it's gonna be winter for a few more weeks, she really meant it, and when she says, "Skip Spring, we're hitting the summer button now", DAMN, does she mean it!
We jumped from temps in the 60's, and rain, to the 90's. Yesterday, we hit 97 here in South Hill, Puyallup. We broke a record set back in 1985 for the hottest temp for the day, by at least 10 degrees!
Of course, I like the warmer weather. My house has to be at LEAST 75 in Winter and that's on the cool end for me. 79 to 82 degrees is my range of comfort level.
Writing-wise, I'm working on book #2. We're continuing with Maressë and Tiberius. I'm about 13,000 words into it now. I have a feeling I'm going to need a glossary for this one, and maybe include a map. LOL.
I have it set up so that there'll be one more book to this "series". Then, it's off to do something in another genre. It'll either be a Victorian historical paranormal romance or a sci-fi/fantasy romance, set on another world.
Ok, must get a cup of tea and get back to writing. =)
Stay cool!
July 2, 2010
Welcome Lux Zakari!
Please welcome Lux Zakari to my blog!
Her first novel is coming out soon and she's here to tell us a bit about herself...
Here’s an excerpt:
Her first novel is coming out soon and she's here to tell us a bit about herself...
Tell us about your most recent release.
With pleasure! Coercion is an erotic novel set in Missouri during the mid ’70s, when introverted and insecure Valerie Mercer was promised that she would finally attract attention from boys. But she never dreamed that would include Michael Vartanian.
Good looking, troubled and every parent’s nightmare, Michael is adamant on introducing Valerie to a world of both pleasure and, inadvertently, heartbreak. His interest in Valerie is dependent upon the mood and fidelity of his on-and-off-again girlfriend, Breeze.
Nevertheless, Valerie lets her hope and desire override common sense and soon finds she can’t deny Michael anything…no matter what’s at stake.
Here’s an excerpt:Valerie refused to entertain thoughts Michael might ever be interested in her, especially since she didn’t know what she’d do if she had him. She knew of Kim Breza—better known as Breeze—and couldn’t think of two people more different than her and the popular, talkative blonde, whose sexual appetite was no secret. She had heard Breeze broadcast her erotic escapades in the women’s bathroom, the hallway and just about everywhere else. Thus, Valerie knew Michael and his girlfriend had done practically everything under the sun during their on-again, off-again yet somehow enduring relationship.
That knowledge both excited and terrified her. Virginity, which was something her peers had outgrown long ago, was not something she wanted to give to just anyone. Therefore, she could never keep up with Michael.
But a little part of her wanted to try. A little part of her wanted to have the courage to find out how those lips of his tasted. A little part of her wanted to slide her hands down his broad back and into the back pockets of his jeans.
A little part of her wanted to do a whole lot to Michael Vartanian.
Have you ever created a villain or killed a character off who is based on someone you know?
I actually have not killed anyone off yet, but this may not be surprising; when writing erotica, dead/dying/soon-to-be-dead characters are not generally found to be turn-ons. Truthfully, while some of my characters are loosely based on people I know, I’ve never offed a “character” or turned anyone from my reality into the bad guy under fictional circumstances. No matter how therapeutic writing may be, when a character does die, it’ll be because the story calls for it, not because I’m exorcising any demons!
What do you like least about the writing process? What do you like best?
What I like least is feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day to write as much as I’d like, and I feel this way often! However, I love the problem solving that’s involved with writing, like when I’m stuck on a scene for whatever reason, and then the answer to busting out of that rut just unexpectedly dawns on me.
A perfect example of how this works is in the show Stella during the episode where Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black and David Wain try their hand at writing a novel. After a montage demonstrating the writing process (which is hilarious), they experience writer’s block, complete with crying, screaming and drinking themselves into a stupor. Then one of them declares, “Wait, I’ve got it! He’s not a chef!” to which the others chorus, “He’s a sous chef!” and eagerly get back to writing. I love that, and it’s funny because it’s true.
What genre do you prefer to write? Is there a genre you’d like to write in that you haven’t tried yet?
The past two years, I’ve been writing primarily erotica, but I have so many stories I want to eventually tell that I definitely intend on dabbling in other genres at some point in time. A sci-fi premise is rolling around in my head, but it’ll be awhile before I attempt that.
What do you like to read?
Now that it’s summer, I like reading erotica anthologies by the pool, but I truly love reading everything, primarily contemporary fiction that’s witty, vivid and makes me think, “Eep! This could be my life!” A friend alerted me to Nick Hornby’s Juliet, Naked, and I can’t wait to read it.
Where do you see your writing career taking you?
To good places, I hope! I try not to have expectations but it’s hard not to hope. I’d like Coercion to go into print, and ideally I’d like writing to eventually become my full-time gig.
Do you ever use people you know as characters in your book?
Actually, my characters are all Frankenstein’s monsters, created out of people I know, people I knew, people I’ve never known and wish I did, people I’ve never known and am glad for that, and sometimes even just me. I like to think of those characters’ actions/attributes/etc. as Easter eggs for anyone I know who may read my work and think, “Hey! Why does this seem familiar?” It’s sort of my “thank you” to them for inspiring me.
What’s your favorite leisure activity? Why?
I have a wide variety of interests that range from the mellow to the extreme, from the bizarre to the “normal.” I’m into traveling, doing artsy projects, seeking out divinely weird/funny/unique experiences and just doing things that make me feel like I’m living a well-rounded life.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a high-society erotic novel that follows the journey laid out by the Major Arcana. It’s definitely challenging me in many ways—as I recently told a friend, my writing is in new territory with this story: pregnancy, explosions and guy-on-guy action (which totally needs to be the tagline) In all seriousness, though, I feel like it’s the story I’ve been waiting to tell all along. Maybe this is why I feel like it’s taking me forever and a day to write.
Do you have an evil day job, and if you do, how do you find time to write?
I have several! But they’re not so evil; some days are better than others. As for writing, I just sneak it in wherever I can!
What does your family and friends think about you being a published author?
They’re excited for me because they know that getting published is what I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Of course, some people don’t know what exactly I’m writing about… It’s hard to say whether that may make a difference to them! So I try to test the waters before I divulge even part of the truth.
Do you identify with the characters you write about?
I do. Whatever my characters are going through, regardless whether I agree with it, I make sure I at least understand where they’re coming from. In Coercion, nearly every character does something I would never do myself (but I won’t say which ones!), so it was important for me to understand why they do the things they do.
Where do you go when you need to recharge?
To bed—if I can get any sleep!
When and why did you begin writing?
I’ve been writing since I was a little kid—telling myself stories out loud while coloring, then having my grandmother write down all the words—but it didn’t truly dawn on me to make a career out of it until I hit college and actually finished writing my first novel. Writing has always been just something I did, something that was so inherent in me, that I never really noticed it until then.
Does reader’s feedback help you with your writing? Is feedback something that is very important to you?
Feedback is important to me, but to an extent. I love hearing from people—it’s good to know someone’s out there, reading my work. I also have a few beta-readers whose opinions really matter to me. But for all feedback, good and bad, it’s crucial to not let it affect you in any drastic way. You can’t let the good criticism give you an ego and you can’t let the bad criticism break your heart. People have their reasons for loving some stuff and hating others, so always consider the source, and if a beta-reader questions the work’s quality, it’s painful to hear but consider it a favor to you.
If you could go on a date with any one of your heroes, which one would it be and why?
Ethan, the photographer in my short story Semiprofessional. I love that his feelings for Rei bloom out of a decade-long friendship, and their banter and relationship was so much fun to write. And let’s face it—we all know artsy boys are foxy fine. (You can read more about Semiprofessional here: http://www.mainstreamerotica.
Thanks, Lux!
Coersion comes out August 2, 2010 and can be found here: http://www.lyricalpress.com/
Lux can be found on the web here: www.luxzakari.com and I've added a link banner to her website, which can be found on the right hand side of the screen under "Websites to Visit"...
Lux can be found on the web here: www.luxzakari.com and I've added a link banner to her website, which can be found on the right hand side of the screen under "Websites to Visit"...
June 28, 2010
WOOT!
Wow!
I just caught another review for "Moonlight and Magick" and am floating on clouds!
Check it out. =)
Got Romance gave it four diamonds!
I just caught another review for "Moonlight and Magick" and am floating on clouds!
Check it out. =)
Got Romance gave it four diamonds!
June 22, 2010
Too bad mothers' book reviews don't work for industry...
Let's see...
1. She liked it better than Avatar.
2. If they make a movie out of it, it has to be done through CGI because my imagination won't allow for a "real" movie (some of the abilities of my characters won't do well in a live action movie - CGI would be better equipped to handle those).
3. She'd like the High King and Maresse to have stories, and she'd like to know if I can write them both by next year.
ROFL!
I love my Mom. =)
Apparently, showing my Mom my e-reader sparked a family whooptidoo among my parents. Dad was at his VA appointment when she called and told him she wanted one so she could read my book and he called here to get more info and pricing. We took him to Best Buy to look at what they have.
My mom is now a proud owner of Sony Touch eReader. Just so she can read my book. =) She can't access the pics on her phone and she doesn't text, but she owns an e-reader now. And she LOVES it. She took it to work with her and showed off my book.
So, Mom finished my book last night. Called to tell me a few things.1. She liked it better than Avatar.
2. If they make a movie out of it, it has to be done through CGI because my imagination won't allow for a "real" movie (some of the abilities of my characters won't do well in a live action movie - CGI would be better equipped to handle those).
3. She'd like the High King and Maresse to have stories, and she'd like to know if I can write them both by next year.
ROFL!
I love my Mom. =)
June 16, 2010
Characters Gone Wild...
If you've been keeping up to date with me on Facebook, you'll know that chapter ten has been kicking my arse to no end. It's one of those chapters that marks the turning point of the story, it's the halfway mark, it's that point where you serious debate the career of a writer/author, it's where you would happily beat your own head into a wall, and gouge out your own eyes with a plastic spork, rather than sit and write this chapter...
Yeah, that point.
It's taken me nearly two weeks for this one chapter. My characters were fighting me, my Muse left me for some sunny island in the South Pacific, and then the bombshell.
Here I am, writing away, when I realize what my fingers were typing. Everything came to a screeching, crashing, explosive halt.
One of my antagonists didn't want to be antagonist anymore.
Sure enough, one of them has decided he didn't want to be the bad guy. He's gone on strike. He's gone rogue.
WHAT?!?
How the hell am I suppose to go back and edit in some clues to foreshadow this event? How am I suppose to go back in and rework some of the scenes where he had made an appearance and change it to the other bad guy so that he can look better in the eyes of the main characters?
You know, I think I would have had more understanding if all of my characters had decided to go on vacation with my Muse. No, not MY characters. They have to be difficult.
And you KNOW my Muse is sitting on a beach, sipping Mai Tai's and Pina Coladas, and laughing her arse off.
P.S. I did manage to finish chapter ten once the defibrillator got my heart going again. I'm in the middle of chapter eleven.
Yeah, that point.
It's taken me nearly two weeks for this one chapter. My characters were fighting me, my Muse left me for some sunny island in the South Pacific, and then the bombshell.
Here I am, writing away, when I realize what my fingers were typing. Everything came to a screeching, crashing, explosive halt.
One of my antagonists didn't want to be antagonist anymore.
Sure enough, one of them has decided he didn't want to be the bad guy. He's gone on strike. He's gone rogue.
WHAT?!?
How the hell am I suppose to go back and edit in some clues to foreshadow this event? How am I suppose to go back in and rework some of the scenes where he had made an appearance and change it to the other bad guy so that he can look better in the eyes of the main characters?
You know, I think I would have had more understanding if all of my characters had decided to go on vacation with my Muse. No, not MY characters. They have to be difficult.
And you KNOW my Muse is sitting on a beach, sipping Mai Tai's and Pina Coladas, and laughing her arse off.
P.S. I did manage to finish chapter ten once the defibrillator got my heart going again. I'm in the middle of chapter eleven.
June 15, 2010
Oh, wow...ohwowohwowohwowohwow...
Thank you, SO MUCH, Sandra, for pointing this out to me!
Fictionwise has "Moonlight and Magick" listed in two categories -
As per their website...
The method used to calculate the lists on this page are as follows:
Best Selling eBooks: Recent
Lists the eBooks with the highest number of unit sales over the past two weeks. (Unit sales are simply the number of copies of each title sold, only eBooks that are not free are counted.)
Highest Rated Recent eBooks
Lists eBooks that have been published by Fictionwise within the last 30 days that have the highest average rating as given by Fictionwise customers. Only eBooks with at least 5 ratings are eligible. The average rating is based on: Great=4, Good=3, OK=2, Poor=1.
*Dancing*
Thank you, everyone, for taking a chance on "Moonlight and Magick"!!
Fictionwise has "Moonlight and Magick" listed in two categories -
Click photo to enlarge...
As per their website...
The method used to calculate the lists on this page are as follows:
Best Selling eBooks: Recent
Lists the eBooks with the highest number of unit sales over the past two weeks. (Unit sales are simply the number of copies of each title sold, only eBooks that are not free are counted.)
Highest Rated Recent eBooks
Lists eBooks that have been published by Fictionwise within the last 30 days that have the highest average rating as given by Fictionwise customers. Only eBooks with at least 5 ratings are eligible. The average rating is based on: Great=4, Good=3, OK=2, Poor=1.
*Dancing*
Thank you, everyone, for taking a chance on "Moonlight and Magick"!!
June 9, 2010
*Grin*
WOOT! In the local paper!
Here is the link to the online version. I just need to find the paper version.
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/pierce/bch/news/95903659.html
Here is the link to the online version. I just need to find the paper version.
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/pierce/bch/news/95903659.html
June 6, 2010
State of Isobael...
This year has had its crazy ups and downs, but for the most part, it's been mostly on the up side.
My debut novel was released. I made #10 the first week it was released on BoB's list. A month later, it made #8 on the same list.
My best friend, who lives a million miles away in Virginia, is coming out in August to visit. The last time I saw her, was...three years ago?...when I went to VA. My first vacation anywhere without family since my marriage and having a kid. My first real long distance plane ride, alone (and I refuse to fly to or through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport because of that trip). It's her turn to come out and we figured it'd be nice for not only for me to see her again, but it'd be wonderful to have her come out, away from there, for a vacation. =) I'm so excited! Ever since I first met her, in her role playing channel, I've considered her a friend. I've tried to be there for her to talk to when she needed someone to talk to, and she's been there for me. She's also the best friend I mention in the dedication in "Moonlight and Magick".
We're trying really hard to think of things to take her to see when she visits. Men in kilts at the Highland Games for one, the beach, Mt. Rainier, Point Defiance Zoo, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium.
I already know I'm going to need a box of tissue when I have to let her go home. I bawled when I had to leave VA, which set her and her daughter off to sniffling at the airport. Hell, I'm tearing up now, just thinking about it!
The next best piece of news, I received this morning.
"Moonlight and Magick" was reviewed by Night Owl Reviews and was chosen as a Top Pick with 4.5 out of 5 stars! You can read the review here, but I also included a link to it as well as the graphic for it, in the sidebar to the right.
I'm such a ninny. I keep reading the review and get a grin on my face. I also printed it out to put in my binder.
I'm into chapter ten for "Dead of Night" at at 48,000 words. Roughly, a little over halfway. I gave myself August 1st as the deadline to finish, which I think I can do if I buckle down and stop letting myself be distracted. It's a bit more difficult this time around for writing a novel because Spike's in school, and Pixie-Brat is coming up to summer vacation. She's going to be entering the 7th grade next year and she's hit the pre-teen stage where she alternates between being my sweet, baby doll, or this genetic mutation, hormonal, monster with an attitude that makes me want to pull my hair out....or change my stance on military school.
Was I ever like that?!?
I am determined to get this done and submitted by Fall. It also helps to have an incredibly wonderful Crit Partner by the name of JC, who has been AMAZING in pointing out spots I need to clean up, expand, or shore up. Heck, in one chapter alone, I gained 805 words! She's graciously given me permission to send revised chapters back so she can re-crit, which I have not taken her up on....YET. LOL.
Anyway...off to do a little more writing before I go pass out in bed. =)
My debut novel was released. I made #10 the first week it was released on BoB's list. A month later, it made #8 on the same list.
My best friend, who lives a million miles away in Virginia, is coming out in August to visit. The last time I saw her, was...three years ago?...when I went to VA. My first vacation anywhere without family since my marriage and having a kid. My first real long distance plane ride, alone (and I refuse to fly to or through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport because of that trip). It's her turn to come out and we figured it'd be nice for not only for me to see her again, but it'd be wonderful to have her come out, away from there, for a vacation. =) I'm so excited! Ever since I first met her, in her role playing channel, I've considered her a friend. I've tried to be there for her to talk to when she needed someone to talk to, and she's been there for me. She's also the best friend I mention in the dedication in "Moonlight and Magick".
We're trying really hard to think of things to take her to see when she visits. Men in kilts at the Highland Games for one, the beach, Mt. Rainier, Point Defiance Zoo, Pike Place Market and the Seattle Aquarium.
I already know I'm going to need a box of tissue when I have to let her go home. I bawled when I had to leave VA, which set her and her daughter off to sniffling at the airport. Hell, I'm tearing up now, just thinking about it!
The next best piece of news, I received this morning.
"Moonlight and Magick" was reviewed by Night Owl Reviews and was chosen as a Top Pick with 4.5 out of 5 stars! You can read the review here, but I also included a link to it as well as the graphic for it, in the sidebar to the right.
I'm such a ninny. I keep reading the review and get a grin on my face. I also printed it out to put in my binder.
I'm into chapter ten for "Dead of Night" at at 48,000 words. Roughly, a little over halfway. I gave myself August 1st as the deadline to finish, which I think I can do if I buckle down and stop letting myself be distracted. It's a bit more difficult this time around for writing a novel because Spike's in school, and Pixie-Brat is coming up to summer vacation. She's going to be entering the 7th grade next year and she's hit the pre-teen stage where she alternates between being my sweet, baby doll, or this genetic mutation, hormonal, monster with an attitude that makes me want to pull my hair out....or change my stance on military school.
Was I ever like that?!?
I am determined to get this done and submitted by Fall. It also helps to have an incredibly wonderful Crit Partner by the name of JC, who has been AMAZING in pointing out spots I need to clean up, expand, or shore up. Heck, in one chapter alone, I gained 805 words! She's graciously given me permission to send revised chapters back so she can re-crit, which I have not taken her up on....YET. LOL.
Anyway...off to do a little more writing before I go pass out in bed. =)
June 1, 2010
Books on Board...
Once again, Books on Board has "Moonlight and Magick" listed for a bestselling e-book...
I'm listed as #8. Thanks, everyone who purchased the book.
*HUGS*
June Newsletter
The June edition of Magick and Moonlight is available for download.
http://groups.google.com/group/magick-and-moonlight
If you'd rather have it sent directly to your email, let me know and I'll add you to the mailing list.
http://groups.google.com/group/magick-and-moonlight
If you'd rather have it sent directly to your email, let me know and I'll add you to the mailing list.
May 29, 2010
New Toy...
One thing I've wanted a long time, but couldn't justify the spending of, was an e-reader. Netbooks and laptops have come down in price and one could pick up a decent laptop for the price of an e-reader, and have more capabilities than just read e-books.
Spike had been promising to get me one when we could afford one, but I've been shying away from choosing one because of price. I didn't want an expensive one, I didn't want one I needed to pay for access, and I didn't want one that did everything under the sun. I just wanted an e-reader.
I spent a couple of months debating, comparing capabilities, pricing, etc. Borders sent me an ad for their new Kobo e-reader. It's not available yet, but I could pre-order. It's got 8,000 page turns before needing a recharge, it holds 1,000 books, but more if you use the memory card slot.
Well, I'd have to pre-order through Borders and they've already sold out their first shipment, and the second wouldn't be until July.
We were running some errands and we stopped into Best Buy, up in South Hill, Puyallup. We were looking for a DVD, but I wanted to see what they offered in e-readers. One of the salespeople, by the name of Shannon, was awesome. We must have talked for about 20 minutes. As it turned out, she's an aspiring author. She has a couple of shorts written and one ready for submission. I gave her a few of my cover art cards and we talked writing for a good while. We commiserated together about writers' getting into that "zone" and neglecting everything else, the need for privacy by using pen names, the fear of submission, rejection, and the joy of writing. She's writing paranormal romances as well! LOL.
Anyway, she has a Sony Touch. She didn't just try to sell the Touch, but she gave the pros and cons of the different e-readers. She pointed out that Nooks and Kobos are plastic and flex more easily than the Sony, which are made of metal. This made sense to me. Spike tested a Nook there and agreed later that the flex on the Nook was obvious, the risk to the screen shattering was greater.
So, the temptation was there. I'd been saying i just wanted an e-reader. I didn't need one to play music, I didn't even need a touch screen, but they had the Sony Touch there, marked down from $299 to $249. I hemmed and hawed. It was still a bit pricey to me, but Spike said to go ahead. So I chose a black Sony Touch and picked up a wall charger for it. Took it up to the register and used my business account to pay for it.Who knows, maybe a tax write off? As it turned out, it rang up for $199.
Heck, yeah! Hehehe.
Still, a bit much, but I'm now a proud, new owner of a Sony Touch. As soon as it finished charging, I loaded "Moonlight and Magick",as well as some music on it. Just skimming the pages of my novel on an e-reader is a heady experience.
Now, I'll begin to shop for a few e-books. I have a list I want to look into. *Grin*
Spike had been promising to get me one when we could afford one, but I've been shying away from choosing one because of price. I didn't want an expensive one, I didn't want one I needed to pay for access, and I didn't want one that did everything under the sun. I just wanted an e-reader.
I spent a couple of months debating, comparing capabilities, pricing, etc. Borders sent me an ad for their new Kobo e-reader. It's not available yet, but I could pre-order. It's got 8,000 page turns before needing a recharge, it holds 1,000 books, but more if you use the memory card slot.
Well, I'd have to pre-order through Borders and they've already sold out their first shipment, and the second wouldn't be until July.
We were running some errands and we stopped into Best Buy, up in South Hill, Puyallup. We were looking for a DVD, but I wanted to see what they offered in e-readers. One of the salespeople, by the name of Shannon, was awesome. We must have talked for about 20 minutes. As it turned out, she's an aspiring author. She has a couple of shorts written and one ready for submission. I gave her a few of my cover art cards and we talked writing for a good while. We commiserated together about writers' getting into that "zone" and neglecting everything else, the need for privacy by using pen names, the fear of submission, rejection, and the joy of writing. She's writing paranormal romances as well! LOL.
Anyway, she has a Sony Touch. She didn't just try to sell the Touch, but she gave the pros and cons of the different e-readers. She pointed out that Nooks and Kobos are plastic and flex more easily than the Sony, which are made of metal. This made sense to me. Spike tested a Nook there and agreed later that the flex on the Nook was obvious, the risk to the screen shattering was greater.
So, the temptation was there. I'd been saying i just wanted an e-reader. I didn't need one to play music, I didn't even need a touch screen, but they had the Sony Touch there, marked down from $299 to $249. I hemmed and hawed. It was still a bit pricey to me, but Spike said to go ahead. So I chose a black Sony Touch and picked up a wall charger for it. Took it up to the register and used my business account to pay for it.Who knows, maybe a tax write off? As it turned out, it rang up for $199.
Heck, yeah! Hehehe.
Still, a bit much, but I'm now a proud, new owner of a Sony Touch. As soon as it finished charging, I loaded "Moonlight and Magick",as well as some music on it. Just skimming the pages of my novel on an e-reader is a heady experience.
Now, I'll begin to shop for a few e-books. I have a list I want to look into. *Grin*
May 28, 2010
Sonya Clark Interview
Sonya, thanks for taking the time to visit! Let’s launch into the grilling, errr…interview, shall we? =)
First question, what do you like least about the writing process? What do you like best?
The hardest part of writing for me is when I’m just getting started with a new work in progress. It’s always frustrating to have a few pieces of a story, like pieces of a puzzle, but I haven’t figured out how to put the pieces together yet. Once I’ve figured that out, though, it seems like the rest of the story will come together fairly quickly. Getting to a point where I really know my main character, really understand them, is great because that does so much for the story as a whole. Sometimes I have to write quite a bit for that to happen, but it’s always worth the wait.
Tell us about your most recent release.
Bring on the Night is an urban fantasy novella about a vampire tasked with stopping a gang of monsters who’ve gone on a killing spree. They’re killing innocent people, something she abhors, and they’re attracting too much attention from mortals, something that could be dangerous for the world of vampires and other creatures. I’ve always loved those anti-heroes from noir, the tough guys on the fringe who believe in protecting society even though they are separate from it for whatever reason. I also love anything paranormal, so having a vampire as the main character just kind of happened naturally. I made my vampire a female because I get tired of gender stereotypes.
What genre do you prefer to write? Is there a genre you’d like to write in that you haven’t tried yet?
I really love urban fantasy because you can do so much with it. There’s all sorts of things that go bump in the night that you can craft stories around, and you can make those things either the good guys, or the bad guys, or both. At this point my vampires have been mostly good guys, but I’d like to write something eventually where they are full-on absolute monsters. As far as another genre, I’d like to try romance. It might be tricky for me to write a romance because I find a lot of the alpha male tropes a bit stale. How about a romance with a bookish, handsome nerd instead? And it’s the woman who is daring and worldly and seductive? I don’t know if anyone would want to read something like that, other than me. And yes, I have a thing about gender stereotypes. I like to flip them on their heads.
What do you like to read?
I love a lot of urban fantasy and some paranormal romance. Mystery novels, horror. I’ve got about a hundred books on music – history, criticism, biographies. If you want me to talk your ear off, ask me about music. I will tell you way more than you ever wanted to know, especially about Southern music - jazz, blues, country, rock and roll. As much as I love fiction, I’d have to say some of my favorite books are non-fiction about music.
Where do you see your writing career taking you?
To be honest, I don’t really have a career plan. I know that I should, but my priorities have changed. I guess most people who grow up dreaming of being a writer think about being on the New York Times bestseller list, getting a movie deal, making enough money to go live out your expatriate dreams in Ireland or maybe Spain. (That was a big dream of mine.) Now I care more about being good than being financially successful. I care more about being able to point to something I wrote and say, this is damn good, and I know it. I don’t know if I’ll ever get there but I’m going to keep working.
Do you ever use people you know as characters in your book?
I might borrow a characteristic or some little something but I’ve never based a character on someone I knew. I don’t think it’s a good idea to do that because what if they read it? The idea of people I know reading my work is strange enough without adding that into the mix.
What’s your favorite leisure activity? Why?
Does my obsession with music count as a leisure activity? It’s certainly something I enjoy. I live halfway between Memphis and Nashville and I’ve visited a lot of music-related places, both in Tennessee and Mississippi. I love discovering music that is new to me. I’m not sure why I love music so much, it’s just always been a part of who I am.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m having commitment issues. ;-) I’ve had a second novel contracted by Lyrical Press called Mojo Queen and I have ideas for a sequel for it. I’ve also got ideas about a romance with a sexy nerd and a female paranormal creature of some sort (haven’t picked a creature yet.) Neither of these ideas have gelled enough that I know what’s really going on in the story, if that makes sense.
Do you have an evil day job, and if you do, how do you find time to write?
No day job right now so I’m able to devote a good amount of time to writing.
What does your family and friends think about you being a published author?
My husband is very supportive of my writing. He enjoys reading what I write and he’s very proud of me for getting published.
Do you identify with the characters you write about?
I’m not sure how to answer that. I mean, I guess I must to some extent or I wouldn’t be writing them. It seems like I’ve always got at least one character that’s a music lover like me, which gives me a chance to work that in. And they’re usually outsiders to some degree, so I guess that comes from a lifetime of never quite fitting in. I’ve noticed that my outsider characters seem accepting of that status now – make of that what you will. ;-)
Where do you go when you need to recharge?
To the stereo. ;-) What kind of music helps depends on what kind of mood I’m in, though usually Miles Davis is always a winner.
When and why did you begin writing?
I think the oldest stories I have are from the second grade, and at thirteen I knew that I wanted to be an author. As for why I write, it’s like with the music – it’s just always been who I am. It’s not something I’ve ever tried to decipher. I’ve tried to figure out why I like urban fantasy and paranormal so much, and I think it has to do with metaphor. Monsters serve as a good metaphor for things I might not otherwise want to write about, at least not with my name attached.
Does reader’s feedback help you with your writing? Is feedback something that is very important to you?
I’ve never been part of a writer’s group or had a critique partner, so I’ve never had a whole lot of feedback. It never really bothered me until the last few years when I started to get serious about writing. I would love to have feedback and as scared as I am about getting my first reviews, I’m also looking forward to it. I want to know what I need to do better. Anyone that reads Bring on the Night is more than welcome to email me at clarksonyab@gmail.com
How about a look at your cover art and a blurb?
Only a vampire can own the night.
If there’s one thing Jessie hates, it’s going after her own kind. She may be used to taking a bite out of human killers, but she leaves her fellow immortals alone.
It’s only after a series of gruesome murders have her suspecting vampires and werewolves are going after innocents does she set out to put a stop to it.
It’s not long that Jessie finds herself racing against the waxing moon to stop an ambitious gang of monsters with a sinister agenda.
(You can find Sonya's novella here at Lyrical Press, Inc.)
Learn more about Sonya Clark at her blog, http://sonyaclark.blogspot.com/
First question, what do you like least about the writing process? What do you like best?
The hardest part of writing for me is when I’m just getting started with a new work in progress. It’s always frustrating to have a few pieces of a story, like pieces of a puzzle, but I haven’t figured out how to put the pieces together yet. Once I’ve figured that out, though, it seems like the rest of the story will come together fairly quickly. Getting to a point where I really know my main character, really understand them, is great because that does so much for the story as a whole. Sometimes I have to write quite a bit for that to happen, but it’s always worth the wait.
Tell us about your most recent release.
Bring on the Night is an urban fantasy novella about a vampire tasked with stopping a gang of monsters who’ve gone on a killing spree. They’re killing innocent people, something she abhors, and they’re attracting too much attention from mortals, something that could be dangerous for the world of vampires and other creatures. I’ve always loved those anti-heroes from noir, the tough guys on the fringe who believe in protecting society even though they are separate from it for whatever reason. I also love anything paranormal, so having a vampire as the main character just kind of happened naturally. I made my vampire a female because I get tired of gender stereotypes.
What genre do you prefer to write? Is there a genre you’d like to write in that you haven’t tried yet?
I really love urban fantasy because you can do so much with it. There’s all sorts of things that go bump in the night that you can craft stories around, and you can make those things either the good guys, or the bad guys, or both. At this point my vampires have been mostly good guys, but I’d like to write something eventually where they are full-on absolute monsters. As far as another genre, I’d like to try romance. It might be tricky for me to write a romance because I find a lot of the alpha male tropes a bit stale. How about a romance with a bookish, handsome nerd instead? And it’s the woman who is daring and worldly and seductive? I don’t know if anyone would want to read something like that, other than me. And yes, I have a thing about gender stereotypes. I like to flip them on their heads.
What do you like to read?
I love a lot of urban fantasy and some paranormal romance. Mystery novels, horror. I’ve got about a hundred books on music – history, criticism, biographies. If you want me to talk your ear off, ask me about music. I will tell you way more than you ever wanted to know, especially about Southern music - jazz, blues, country, rock and roll. As much as I love fiction, I’d have to say some of my favorite books are non-fiction about music.
Where do you see your writing career taking you?
To be honest, I don’t really have a career plan. I know that I should, but my priorities have changed. I guess most people who grow up dreaming of being a writer think about being on the New York Times bestseller list, getting a movie deal, making enough money to go live out your expatriate dreams in Ireland or maybe Spain. (That was a big dream of mine.) Now I care more about being good than being financially successful. I care more about being able to point to something I wrote and say, this is damn good, and I know it. I don’t know if I’ll ever get there but I’m going to keep working.
Do you ever use people you know as characters in your book?
I might borrow a characteristic or some little something but I’ve never based a character on someone I knew. I don’t think it’s a good idea to do that because what if they read it? The idea of people I know reading my work is strange enough without adding that into the mix.
What’s your favorite leisure activity? Why?
Does my obsession with music count as a leisure activity? It’s certainly something I enjoy. I live halfway between Memphis and Nashville and I’ve visited a lot of music-related places, both in Tennessee and Mississippi. I love discovering music that is new to me. I’m not sure why I love music so much, it’s just always been a part of who I am.
What are you working on now?
At the moment I’m having commitment issues. ;-) I’ve had a second novel contracted by Lyrical Press called Mojo Queen and I have ideas for a sequel for it. I’ve also got ideas about a romance with a sexy nerd and a female paranormal creature of some sort (haven’t picked a creature yet.) Neither of these ideas have gelled enough that I know what’s really going on in the story, if that makes sense.
Do you have an evil day job, and if you do, how do you find time to write?
No day job right now so I’m able to devote a good amount of time to writing.
What does your family and friends think about you being a published author?
My husband is very supportive of my writing. He enjoys reading what I write and he’s very proud of me for getting published.
Do you identify with the characters you write about?
I’m not sure how to answer that. I mean, I guess I must to some extent or I wouldn’t be writing them. It seems like I’ve always got at least one character that’s a music lover like me, which gives me a chance to work that in. And they’re usually outsiders to some degree, so I guess that comes from a lifetime of never quite fitting in. I’ve noticed that my outsider characters seem accepting of that status now – make of that what you will. ;-)
Where do you go when you need to recharge?
To the stereo. ;-) What kind of music helps depends on what kind of mood I’m in, though usually Miles Davis is always a winner.
When and why did you begin writing?
I think the oldest stories I have are from the second grade, and at thirteen I knew that I wanted to be an author. As for why I write, it’s like with the music – it’s just always been who I am. It’s not something I’ve ever tried to decipher. I’ve tried to figure out why I like urban fantasy and paranormal so much, and I think it has to do with metaphor. Monsters serve as a good metaphor for things I might not otherwise want to write about, at least not with my name attached.
Does reader’s feedback help you with your writing? Is feedback something that is very important to you?
I’ve never been part of a writer’s group or had a critique partner, so I’ve never had a whole lot of feedback. It never really bothered me until the last few years when I started to get serious about writing. I would love to have feedback and as scared as I am about getting my first reviews, I’m also looking forward to it. I want to know what I need to do better. Anyone that reads Bring on the Night is more than welcome to email me at clarksonyab@gmail.com
How about a look at your cover art and a blurb?
If there’s one thing Jessie hates, it’s going after her own kind. She may be used to taking a bite out of human killers, but she leaves her fellow immortals alone.
It’s only after a series of gruesome murders have her suspecting vampires and werewolves are going after innocents does she set out to put a stop to it.
It’s not long that Jessie finds herself racing against the waxing moon to stop an ambitious gang of monsters with a sinister agenda.
(You can find Sonya's novella here at Lyrical Press, Inc.)
Learn more about Sonya Clark at her blog, http://sonyaclark.blogspot.com/
Awesome, Sonya! Thanks for answering my questions.
May 26, 2010
Mid-life crisis and makeup...
Ahhh, I've hit mid-life crisis. Why else would I blog and snap a million pictures, of my makeup case and write about ordering and receiving said makeup? LOL
When I was younger, I wore cover up and eyeliner. That was pretty much it. Mostly because I couldn't put makeup on like the other girls, no one taught me. There were no classes in school that teaches one to apply makeup. My sister, two years younger, hadn't perfected her technique, nor taken cosmetology classes yet, so I did as I always had as I hit my 20's.
After having my daughter, who had time for makeup? LOL. I was lucky if I could put myself in a tshirt and jeans. No place to go, anyway. I was a parent. No more night clubbing, no more dinners out, no more social life. If I went out for a rare special occasion, my sister did my hair and makeup because I'd fly into a panic at the thought of going out, of having to make myself pretty.
And then...
Someone flipped a switch and OMG! Makeup!
You know, my sister will read this and laugh her ass off.
So, for my birthday, I ordered from Eyes Lips Face (because OMG! Makeup! is MUCH better when it's OMG! Makeup for a $1.00!) as a treat for myself. Plus, I really needed new stuff. Well, let's show you why...
(Some of this stuff was OLD...!)
And so, this is what I got in the mail today!
All of that (well, the brushes were free if I spent $20 or more!) for about $29.00 including shipping.
I so love Eyes Lips Face.
When I was younger, I wore cover up and eyeliner. That was pretty much it. Mostly because I couldn't put makeup on like the other girls, no one taught me. There were no classes in school that teaches one to apply makeup. My sister, two years younger, hadn't perfected her technique, nor taken cosmetology classes yet, so I did as I always had as I hit my 20's.
After having my daughter, who had time for makeup? LOL. I was lucky if I could put myself in a tshirt and jeans. No place to go, anyway. I was a parent. No more night clubbing, no more dinners out, no more social life. If I went out for a rare special occasion, my sister did my hair and makeup because I'd fly into a panic at the thought of going out, of having to make myself pretty.
And then...
Someone flipped a switch and OMG! Makeup!
You know, my sister will read this and laugh her ass off.
So, for my birthday, I ordered from Eyes Lips Face (because OMG! Makeup! is MUCH better when it's OMG! Makeup for a $1.00!) as a treat for myself. Plus, I really needed new stuff. Well, let's show you why...
(Some of this stuff was OLD...!)
And so, this is what I got in the mail today!
All of that (well, the brushes were free if I spent $20 or more!) for about $29.00 including shipping.
I so love Eyes Lips Face.
May 24, 2010
Clash of the Covers...
Uhhh...wow! My novel's cover is up for Clash of the Covers. http://embracetheshadows.wordp
Hey, show some love and vote!
Wow...I'm actually stunned.
May 23, 2010
This and that...
Nothing says you're a real author than when you find your first novel up for free download on a pirate site. It was a forum and one of the posts had a link to a download site. I joined up just enough to post, letting them know while I appreciated the free advertisement, I would rather they didn't pirate my book because I'd like to get paid for my work.
The next day, the thread had been removed from the forum. LOL.
I also followed the link to a download hub for P2P downloads, and left them a Cease and Desist notice, although they have a disclaimer about copyrighted items since they don't host the downloads, but they'd investigate it. We'll see.
How sad is it that I'm excited that I picked up a glucose meter? LOL Wal*Mart had one for $9.00 and I've been wanting one for years. My parents are borderline diabetic, controlling it with diet, and as I am a "fluffy" girl, I need to be on the extra careful watch of this. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant, but they caught it so late in the pregnancy, it didn't matter all that much in regards to medications or diet. So, Mr. Nursing Student Husband has been practicing on me. Heh, we're going to run out of lancets and test strips just on me. I keep telling him to "poke me", and not in the way he wants. LOL.
I've been waffling back and forth between reviews. I've not received any reviews for my book and this worries me. It's that bad? Then, I worry that someone will post a bad review and then everyone will know it sucks, so I'm afraid to submit it to any review sites. Yes, I'm a big chicken. Of course, then I hear authors don't pay attention to reviews because they're just opinions and everyone has one. One person may like it, the next will hate it, and do reviews really matter?
In to chapter nine of "Dead of Night". I'm halfway through writing the book!
Be sure to check out my interview at Sonya's blog... http://sonyaclark.blogspot.com/2010/05/guest-post-and-giveaway-from-author.html (Pssst! There's a giveaway!)
The next day, the thread had been removed from the forum. LOL.
I also followed the link to a download hub for P2P downloads, and left them a Cease and Desist notice, although they have a disclaimer about copyrighted items since they don't host the downloads, but they'd investigate it. We'll see.
How sad is it that I'm excited that I picked up a glucose meter? LOL Wal*Mart had one for $9.00 and I've been wanting one for years. My parents are borderline diabetic, controlling it with diet, and as I am a "fluffy" girl, I need to be on the extra careful watch of this. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant, but they caught it so late in the pregnancy, it didn't matter all that much in regards to medications or diet. So, Mr. Nursing Student Husband has been practicing on me. Heh, we're going to run out of lancets and test strips just on me. I keep telling him to "poke me", and not in the way he wants. LOL.
I've been waffling back and forth between reviews. I've not received any reviews for my book and this worries me. It's that bad? Then, I worry that someone will post a bad review and then everyone will know it sucks, so I'm afraid to submit it to any review sites. Yes, I'm a big chicken. Of course, then I hear authors don't pay attention to reviews because they're just opinions and everyone has one. One person may like it, the next will hate it, and do reviews really matter?
In to chapter nine of "Dead of Night". I'm halfway through writing the book!
Be sure to check out my interview at Sonya's blog... http://sonyaclark.blogspot.com/2010/05/guest-post-and-giveaway-from-author.html (Pssst! There's a giveaway!)
May 18, 2010
Odds and Ends...
Today, I guest blogged at Savvy Readers blog. It was a bit late notice, I know, but Terry called me and asked if I could put something together and so I did. Go check it out.
Tomorrow, I'm being posted at Midnight Seductions.
My mom's birthday is tomorrow! I'd say wish her a happy birthday, but she'd kill me if I gave out her email. LOL.
I had a few people ask me about the makeup I did on my birthday. A former friend gave me a link to an online makeup site that I LOVE. It's called Eyes, Lips, Face, or E.L.F.
Dude! They have makeup for a $1.00!!!
I just placed a second order with them this morning. My first order was a year ago, and I picked up a few items to try. I received an email saying I'd get a free brush set if I ordered $20 or more. I needed a new brush set! LOL.
Anyway, I ordered a BUNCH of new eyeshadows and eyeliners. I'll post pics and a review of the makeup when I get the package. I just wanted the brush set! LOL. I needed a new set and hopefully this one will be labeled as to what each brush is. If not, I'll be labeling them myself. =) I'm still new to the makeup brushes thing. I normally use those little sponge pad applicators that come in the eyeshadow packs from Wal*Mart or my fingers, so the whole brush thing is interesting. =)
What else?
Working on "Dead of Night". One of the characters just bit it and trying to write the aftermath has been emotional. Can't really type when you're sobbing, you know. LOL.
My Chinese novel is set aside for now. I have to do some rewriting of parts because it's too similar to M&M in some aspects. Bleh. Hehehehe.
That's it for now.
Tomorrow, I'm being posted at Midnight Seductions.
My mom's birthday is tomorrow! I'd say wish her a happy birthday, but she'd kill me if I gave out her email. LOL.
I had a few people ask me about the makeup I did on my birthday. A former friend gave me a link to an online makeup site that I LOVE. It's called Eyes, Lips, Face, or E.L.F.
Dude! They have makeup for a $1.00!!!
I just placed a second order with them this morning. My first order was a year ago, and I picked up a few items to try. I received an email saying I'd get a free brush set if I ordered $20 or more. I needed a new brush set! LOL.
Anyway, I ordered a BUNCH of new eyeshadows and eyeliners. I'll post pics and a review of the makeup when I get the package. I just wanted the brush set! LOL. I needed a new set and hopefully this one will be labeled as to what each brush is. If not, I'll be labeling them myself. =) I'm still new to the makeup brushes thing. I normally use those little sponge pad applicators that come in the eyeshadow packs from Wal*Mart or my fingers, so the whole brush thing is interesting. =)
What else?
Working on "Dead of Night". One of the characters just bit it and trying to write the aftermath has been emotional. Can't really type when you're sobbing, you know. LOL.
My Chinese novel is set aside for now. I have to do some rewriting of parts because it's too similar to M&M in some aspects. Bleh. Hehehehe.
That's it for now.
May 12, 2010
Birthday Recap...
Today has been great! =)
I appreciate all my friends wishing me a happy birthday on Facebook. I can't remember any year in which so many people took the time to wish me a happy birthday. Everyone has been so supportive and friendly, even if we've never met in person. Warm fuzzies abound!
My sister couldn't make it over this morning. She was going to help me learn how to do the "smokey look" for my eyes. First, I have NEVER been able to do makeup other than the usual eyeliner and foundation. Sometimes, a light eyeshadow, but usually, if I'm wearing makeup and it looks WOW, my sister came over to do it. LOL. She's a licensed cosmetologist, so she's always done my hair and makeup for those special days.
Well, I got a free sample of Covergirl's "Smoky Shadow Blast" to try out. It's a double tipped, two colored eyeshadow applicator. The rounded tip goes on first, then you flip it over and use the tapered tip to do the crease of your eyes, then blend to create the smokey look.
Umm...I'm half Chinese and I have the Chinese hooded eyes. I have no crease to use for the contour color! LOL. After trying to apply this stuff without a crease, it got tossed to the counter and my face was washed, amidst some cussing.
Grabbing my makeup case, I pulled out some of my eyeshadows to use. U looked up some tutorials on YouTube and with my laptop in the bathroom with me and much use of the pause button, I tried this tutorial out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLxMfBL6QqE&feature=related
(I love the way this woman looks. She's gorgeous!)
Anyway, I did try. Unfortunately, it looked like I caked the eyeshadow on. UGH. I washed my face again to start over, with much more cussing.
This time, I went with this tutorial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWIk5c7jRuw
I don't know if it's because the guy talked through the steps, or what, but even with the extra steps in his tutorial, I actually managed to do the makeup! So...here is the result... (as always, click to enlarge)
Oh, the necklace! Hehehe. I bought the necklace from a local jewel crafter who I had befriended on LiveJournal. This woman is AMAZING. She not only creates necklaces, and other jewelry, she also cards her own wool, knits, dyes her wool, and spins (spinning wheel). Her name is Ann and you MUST visit her Etsy store - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ebonraven
Here's a closeup of the necklace.
Click to enlarge, of course, but the center piece is obsidian (hand wire wrapped with silver wire), as well as the bell shaped beads on either side. Beneath those are garnet beads, and in the center of the serpent pieces near by neck are more garnet pieces. I fell in love with this necklace when I saw it on her website and I all but begged and pleaded with Spike for permission to buy it. =)
Why dress up? Because Spike and Pixie-Brat took me out to "Linner" (Pixie-Brat's word for a meal too late for lunch, but too early for dinner) at Sumay, an Indian Restaurant, here in Puyallup.
Lamb mango curry, naan (center, background), saffron rice (center foreground), and chicken curry. We had leftovers! Hehehe. Pixie-Brat and I both had mango lassi as our beverages. YUM!
To end the night, we finished with a birthday cake. Not just any old birthday cake though. Oh, no! I've been hinting for YEARS I've wanted an ice cream cake for my birthday, and years went by without one.
Not this year! I actually got my ice cream cake!
This birthday has been the best! My first book released, a birthday filled with greatness, awesome makeup. I feel really great!
I appreciate all my friends wishing me a happy birthday on Facebook. I can't remember any year in which so many people took the time to wish me a happy birthday. Everyone has been so supportive and friendly, even if we've never met in person. Warm fuzzies abound!
My sister couldn't make it over this morning. She was going to help me learn how to do the "smokey look" for my eyes. First, I have NEVER been able to do makeup other than the usual eyeliner and foundation. Sometimes, a light eyeshadow, but usually, if I'm wearing makeup and it looks WOW, my sister came over to do it. LOL. She's a licensed cosmetologist, so she's always done my hair and makeup for those special days.
Well, I got a free sample of Covergirl's "Smoky Shadow Blast" to try out. It's a double tipped, two colored eyeshadow applicator. The rounded tip goes on first, then you flip it over and use the tapered tip to do the crease of your eyes, then blend to create the smokey look.
Umm...I'm half Chinese and I have the Chinese hooded eyes. I have no crease to use for the contour color! LOL. After trying to apply this stuff without a crease, it got tossed to the counter and my face was washed, amidst some cussing.
Grabbing my makeup case, I pulled out some of my eyeshadows to use. U looked up some tutorials on YouTube and with my laptop in the bathroom with me and much use of the pause button, I tried this tutorial out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLxMfBL6QqE&feature=related
(I love the way this woman looks. She's gorgeous!)
Anyway, I did try. Unfortunately, it looked like I caked the eyeshadow on. UGH. I washed my face again to start over, with much more cussing.
This time, I went with this tutorial - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWIk5c7jRuw
I don't know if it's because the guy talked through the steps, or what, but even with the extra steps in his tutorial, I actually managed to do the makeup! So...here is the result... (as always, click to enlarge)
(By the way - that's not a blonde streak. LOL - I have grey hair growing in a streak!)
Oh, the necklace! Hehehe. I bought the necklace from a local jewel crafter who I had befriended on LiveJournal. This woman is AMAZING. She not only creates necklaces, and other jewelry, she also cards her own wool, knits, dyes her wool, and spins (spinning wheel). Her name is Ann and you MUST visit her Etsy store - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ebonraven
Here's a closeup of the necklace.
Click to enlarge, of course, but the center piece is obsidian (hand wire wrapped with silver wire), as well as the bell shaped beads on either side. Beneath those are garnet beads, and in the center of the serpent pieces near by neck are more garnet pieces. I fell in love with this necklace when I saw it on her website and I all but begged and pleaded with Spike for permission to buy it. =)
Why dress up? Because Spike and Pixie-Brat took me out to "Linner" (Pixie-Brat's word for a meal too late for lunch, but too early for dinner) at Sumay, an Indian Restaurant, here in Puyallup.
To end the night, we finished with a birthday cake. Not just any old birthday cake though. Oh, no! I've been hinting for YEARS I've wanted an ice cream cake for my birthday, and years went by without one.
Not this year! I actually got my ice cream cake!
This birthday has been the best! My first book released, a birthday filled with greatness, awesome makeup. I feel really great!
May 11, 2010
Check it out!
http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com
One lucky commenter will win a copy of "Moonlight and Magick"!
May 10, 2010
Berry Salad
5 cups mixed greens (or use whatever you want - I like baby spinach)
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1 1/4 cups raspberries
2 TB toasted almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts, chopped
1 TB blue cheese (omit if you'd rather - I do!)
1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp ground pepper
Rinse mixed greens and drain well. Lay in bowl or on individual plates. Top with fruit and chopped nuts, (and blue cheese, if you're using).
Whisk or shake olive oil, vinegar, and pepper until combined. Drizzle over salad.
1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
1 1/4 cups raspberries
2 TB toasted almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts, chopped
1 TB blue cheese (omit if you'd rather - I do!)
1/3 cup raspberry vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp ground pepper
Rinse mixed greens and drain well. Lay in bowl or on individual plates. Top with fruit and chopped nuts, (and blue cheese, if you're using).
Whisk or shake olive oil, vinegar, and pepper until combined. Drizzle over salad.
Happy Monday! (There is such a thing!)
Spike cooked breakfast and then did the yard work. For dinner, he BBQed some elk steaks and baked some oysters wrapped in spinach with some "secret seasonings". It was all very YUMMY.
Of course, I'm paying for my laziness today as I scramble to catch up on my chores. Laundry, dishes, straining the beef broth I made on Saturday to throw into the freezer.
This morning, as I was waiting for Pixie-Brat's bus, there was a patch of clover at my feet. When I looked down, something caught my eye. When I knelt down, I saw it was a four leaf clover! I'll be 38 on Wednesday. This is the FIRST four leaf clover I've ever found!
Today marks one week for the release of "Moonlight and Magick". I'm hoping you're liking/liked the story! Tomorrow, I'm blogging at Lyrical Press, Inc. (http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com/) so don't forget to check it out. I'll be giving away a copy of my e-book to one lucky person who leaves a comment. =)
I've been considering deleting my Twitter account. I'm rarely on there. The only reason I got an account is no longer applicable (long story, we'll just say there was a parting of friends). I'm finding Facebook is so much easier to keep in contact with people (friends, family, readers) and I have more options, better control, and more characters to use that Twitter's 140 limit.
I know Twitter is suppose to be great for networking and promoting, but really?
Anyway!
Been thinking of instigating a guest blogger/interview once or twice a month. As you recall, I interviewed Sandra Sookoo. I have someone lined up for later this month. (She's still working on the interview questions. Apparently, I make them a bit in-depth. LOL) If you're a poet/writer/author, or have a cool or interesting hobby...OR deal with Depression and/or Social Anxiety and want to share on my blog, email me. (isobael at gmail dot com)
Happy Monday, friends!
May 9, 2010
Happy Mom's Day!
Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there. Hope you're enjoying your day!
Hehehehe...I'm not even out of my pajamas. I'm being incredibly lazy. The only "work" I did today, so far, was give the cat a bath...because no one in the house is brave enough to risk the wrath of Isis. LOL.
Taking a break from writing today as well. Will return to work tomorrow, but for today, I'm doing what I want. Which is listening to Spike do yard work. *Grin*
Here's to hoping you're having a wonderful, lazy day!
Hehehehe...I'm not even out of my pajamas. I'm being incredibly lazy. The only "work" I did today, so far, was give the cat a bath...because no one in the house is brave enough to risk the wrath of Isis. LOL.
Taking a break from writing today as well. Will return to work tomorrow, but for today, I'm doing what I want. Which is listening to Spike do yard work. *Grin*
Here's to hoping you're having a wonderful, lazy day!
May 8, 2010
Lilian was interviewed! =)
Hey! Check out an interview with Lilian Quinn, my heroine in "Moonlight and Magick"! She's being interviewed over at Naughty Little Vamp's Blog... http://naughtylittlevamp.blogspot.com/?zx=572e51e24fd5593e
May 7, 2010
My first blog guest! Let's welcome Sandra Sookoo!
I’d like to introduce Sandra Sookoo to my blog as my first guest blogger and interviewee.
Welcome, Sandra. I’m honored to have you as a guest on my humble blog. Would you please tell us a little about yourself?
Thanks for having me as part of my Fangs, Fur and Boys with Fast Toys summer blog tour! Hmm, a little about me…Well, I’ve been writing since I was 10 but didn’t “get serious” about it until a few years ago. I live in Indiana with my hubby of seven years.
What inspires you to write? Where do you get your ideas?
Everything around me inspires me. One of my favorite things to do is people watch at malls. Great character studies and I love to imagine what their lives are like. My ideas can come from pretty much anything—a movie, a conversation with someone, going to the zoo. As long as my imagination’s functioning, I’m good.
Do you identify with the characters you write about?
Most of the time, yes, with the heroines. Okay, let me rephrase that. If the heroines are of the paranormal variety then maybe not, but they all have to overcome and/or accept something they don’t like about themselves, so the answer is still yes.
Who’s your favorite of all your characters and why?
Wow, that’s a tough question! Favorite heroine? It might be Anne from my just released novella Demons and Stilettos Are A Girl’s Best Friend (you’ll have to read to the end of the interview to get the blurb and excerpt). She’s funny, feisty and owns an awful lot of fashion forward shoes that she’s too scared to wear in public. I have to say, I have a couple of pairs of heels I’ve never worn. We’ll leave it at that lol Favorite hero? Probably Nicholas from a historical/paranormal book called Unraveled Souls. He was dishy.
What project are you currently working on?
I’m just finishing a 90K paranormal book centering around dragons. It’s the third in a trilogy presented by Eirelander Publishing. The first book in the trilogy is out in print format now. Check it out at http://www.eirelander-publishing.com
Any future projects you can tell us about?
Well, after the dragon book, I’d like to do another comedic short piece to “clear my mind” so to speak. After that, I’ll be doing research then writing a full length time travel romance.
What do you like least about the writing process? What do you like best?
Wow. What do I like the least? Rejections with no explanations, loving a book but finding it doesn’t resonate with readers. I could go on. This business is not for the faint of heart. What do I like best? Writing, creating, crafting a story that I fully believe in, being so excited to pour out the words onto the screen, sharing it with my critique partner and beta readers to see if they like it too, and getting cover art of the ones accepted. Of course, getting emails from readers as excited about the book as I was is pretty darned cool too.
What do you like to do outside of writing?
When I’m not writing, the hubs and I like to travel. We frequent downtown Indianapolis a lot and play tourist, go to the zoo, try new restaurants and try to get to Disney World every year. For me, I love to cook and bake and will often turn to the kitchen if I’m stuck on a part of a book. After that, I’ll read for pleasure.
Any tips for us baby writers?
Best thing you can do? Keep writing. No matter what anyone says about your stories, no matter how many rejections you get. Work on the craft and get better but above all, never give up.
What was the best advice YOU received when you first started the author path?
LOL Exactly what I just told you.
Where do you go when you need to recharge?
Somewhere with people. Writing is such a solitary endeavor at times. When the house gets too quiet, I go out to the store and walk around, get outside and kind of expand the boundaries. A vacation helps too.
What kind of books do you read and what are your favorites?
I’ll pretty much read any genre. It really depends on my mood and how much free time I have to devote to pleasure reading. I can tell you I’ve pretty much devoted my book buying to e-published authors. I try to support them as much as I can above the print ones because I believe they deserve more support.
Anything else you’d like to add?
You can find out information on current releases and upcoming projects by visiting my website at http://www.sandrasookoo.com On the front page you’ll find recent releases, the blogs I’m a member of, recipes of the month. You can also find book excerpts there as well.
As a special incentive, one lucky commenter will receive a goodie bag filled with book related merch and a couple of stiletto related gifts. And trust me, it’s pretty spiffy. Makes me want to comment on my own interview! LOL
Now for the promo you’ve been waiting for!
Blurb: Anne Jenkins never believed there was a heaven or hell so when she’s rescued from a runaway horse by a guy who claims he’s a demon, her freak detector goes off. She demands proof and the leather-clad biker sets some local wildlife on fire. She starts to trust in a hurry.
Gregg Carter, bound to the Devil for all eternity because of an audit gone wrong, seizes the opportunity to take possession of Anne’s soul as a way to please his boss. What he didn’t count on was the fact that his libido would take the one-way bus to crazy town as he gets to know her better.
Trouble is, Anne and Gregg spend so much time trying to hide their true selves from each other, they can’t escape the attraction that builds between them. But everyone knows demons and humans don’t mix, and neither can two people who have no futures.
Excerpt: Anne glanced around, looking for hidden cameras just in case her friends were attempting to punk her. Seeing nothing but red and gold leaves that shook in the slight breeze, she turned back to the biker. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“You bet. Now, I need you to sign here testifying that I did indeed save your life and prevented the early termination of such. Because I did, the payment for my deed is one human soul, to be rendered due and payable within thirty days of the receipt of said services.” He held the pen out to her. “I do have other clients today.”
“I can’t just give you my soul. I don’t even know exactly where in my body it’s located or how a person goes about parting with it.” She took another drink. “Besides, don’t I need my soul in order to function? I’m pretty sure it’s not like an appendix or something.” Flutters filled her stomach when the smile he’d flashed earlier morphed into something smoldering and sexy.
“A human soul is only valuable if you know how to use it. To sweeten the pot, I’m prepared to give you three wishes.”
Anne snorted while she took another drink. Water shot through her nose, and tears stung her eyes. Not exactly the sort of thing that would impress a bike-riding minion from hell—not that she wanted to impress him. Damn, I must be desperate if I’m trying to catch the interest of an alleged demon.
Wiping the drops from her face with the back of her hand, she stifled another round of laughter. “Three wishes, huh? Like a magic genie?”
“No, it’s an added bonus, an incentive. Think of it as a supplement to the contract in order to cushion the blow of my taking your soul. You have thirty days to accept the offer, but be aware there are some conditions.”
“Is saving me from impending death one of the wishes?” The whole conversation felt so weird and beyond normal that Anne suddenly knew how Alice felt in the Lewis Carroll story.
“No, but at least you’re paying attention.” A smile curved his lips. “You can use the wishes on yourself or others, but they must be used in the time allowed. You can’t save them. Also, until you exhaust the wishes or they expire at the end of the specified term, I will be your constant companion—”
“I thought you had other clients?”
He huffed his disapproval. “I have a very loose schedule. Anyway, if you do not use the wishes by the end of the thirty day period, you forfeit them, and I still take your soul.”
“That doesn’t sound very fair.” Anne frowned. Fear made her insides clench. “What if I don’t agree to any of it? I mean,” she snorted from the absurdity of the notion, “it really is pretty unbelievable.”
A shadow of annoyance crossed Gregg’s face, and his expression grew dark with anger. “It doesn’t matter. I saved your life. Therefore, you owe me. I can reset recent events and leave you to die, or I can take your soul, and you’ll still die, but at least you will have lived it up for thirty days. What’s not to get?”
* * * * *
Thanks, Sandra!
Sandra's book "Demons and Stilettos Are A Girl's Best Friend" can be found at http://www.thewildrosepress.com
Don't forget!
One lucky commenter can win a goodie bag from Sandra so leave a comment!
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